“Number of murders in The Bahamas so far this year: 117”

The Bahamas has been plagued by a record spate of homicides over the last twelve months, many of which are gang related. However people should not be so quick to judge the victims, writes Jennawade Pratt.

On year older, our nation is ready to close the chapter of 2011 and embark on a brighter year ahead. We have all in The Bahamas been affected by the trying months of late and cannot wait to see brighter days.

As of November 31st, our country has in 2011 seen 117 murders – we have already broken our previous record. But we see no means for celebration, and at this point we question: “Where have we gone wrong?”

An unprecedented amount of murders committed were related to gang (retaliation and vigilante killings) or domestic violence or the result of other unresolved conflicts that escalated. Other victims were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As I write this, I reflect on the tears and heartache that have been shared by the family members of those who have died. These people will not get the chance to reunite with their loved ones this holiday season. For each and every person who has lost a loved one through violence, no matter what side they were on, I offer you condolences. My prayer this season is that the healing begins.

This is a very difficult time for us as a country and it is so easy for us to get caught up in the ‘right and wrong’ of things. I simply want us to pause and think of the persons who mourn for loved ones who were tragically killed on our streets. We can not afford to acknowledge some and ignore others. Each and every person who died was human. A human being who was capable of giving and receiving love.

I know that some people may read this with disapproval – how can I take the side of a person who deserved to die? I have to come to the realization that every life lost was one of value. There is no person in this world who deserves to die.

A few months ago, my answer would have been different. I felt that anyone who took a life deserved to have their life taken – no questions asked. I felt that the situation was one that should be dealt with expediently and as painfully as possible. Now I realize that there is no way a well of hope could spring up in hatred.

There is no right way to end this, my shortest article written for Commonwealth Correspondents. There are no words that could explain how hurt I am. This year tears have replaced my vocabulary. I have cried for every person that lost their lives in our country this year. And as much as I wish I could deny it, it is truth.

Maybe the wrong path in life was journeyed, but a path nonetheless. My eyes are open – every man that died was my brother, every woman that died was my sister. My heart has been shattered into 117 pieces and I pray that their deaths were not in vain.

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About me:

“I am a medical administrative assistant. I aspire to become a nurse in the area of special needs. I enjoy reading and writing poetry, songs, and plays. I also enjoy painting, sewing, photography and dabbling with graphics.

“I love to research, and I’m challenging myself daily to indulge in the richness of all aspects of our culture (this includes cuisine, history, the arts, sports and music). I love to laugh, and I enjoy quality time with my husband and son… so I guess you can say the laughter never ends!”

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?